Get the Recruiter’s Attention with a Swiss Cover Letter
You might be in a position right now where either you are worried about losing your job or you are already looking for a new job. Maybe you have even been looking for a while already. Perhaps you feel it’s time to update your resume and your job-searching skills, just in case. I thought you could use this reminder from my older publication, “The Global Career Workbook,” on how to get a Swiss recruiter’s attention.
Cover letter writing is an art. With modern technology, applicants often do not see the need to write a cover letter these days, but in my opinion, it is the most artistic part of a good application. Emphatically, in Switzerland, IT’S A MUST. Many recruiters want to read it. They would like to see that you tried to get that interview. I receive considerable amounts of cover letters, and most of them sound like they were copied from a textbook. Nobody gets excited reading some sort of ‘copy and paste’ write-ups, void of personal touch. Only the more personal ones gain my attention. They have to be personal, crisp, and show me who you are.
A few years ago I was interviewed for Finews and you can read the original post here. Funnily, after circling around AI-written resumes, cover letters and selection processes I think that most of my tips will be of value again in 2026.
https://www.finews.com/news/english-news/44677-angie-weinberger-job-applications-cover-letter
Ask her out on a date. Not literally, but imagine you were taking the same kind of care. When you write a Swiss cover letter, you want the other person to like you and find you attractive enough to read your resumé. The cover letter is your appetizer, and the resumé is your main course. If you get to the interview stage, then that’s like having dessert on the first date. And after three interviews, you might get kissed. I mean, you might get the job offer you are longing for.
2) Wet the Swiss Recruiter’s Appetite
3) Follow my Lead for Fresh Recipes
When crafting your cover letter, addressing the recruiter by their correct name is crucial rather than opting for generic terms like “Sir” or “Madam.” Taking the time to research and include the recruiter’s name demonstrates your seriousness and attention to detail. Additionally, ensure that you accurately spell the names of any references provided in your letter.
Maintain a respectful and formal tone throughout the letter to leave a positive impression on the recruiter. Choose a single font and adhere to the standard letter-writing style of the country you are applying to. Creating an appealing and visually pleasing letter contributes to a professional presentation.
Emphasize the needs of the prospective employer before discussing your own. Highlight what you can bring and how your skills align with the company’s requirements. This approach underscores your understanding of the employer’s priorities. Establish a personal connection with the company or the recruiter. Share experiences, such as using their products or having positive associations with the brand due to individual stories. This personal touch adds a genuine and relatable aspect to your application.
Avoid the temptation to copy and paste content, as errors in company names or contact persons can harm your application. Take the time to read the letter aloud to catch any potential mistakes and ensure the accuracy of the information.
4) Use Active Language in your Cover Letter
Use active language and construct complete sentences in your cover letter. Prioritize verbs over nouns, avoid passive constructs, and keep your sentences concise. This approach enhances the clarity and impact of your communication. If English is not your native language, meticulously review your translation and consider seeking input from a native speaker to refine your grammar. Recruiters often notice and are bothered by grammatical errors in cover letters.
Keep your cover letter brief, limiting it to a maximum of one page with five paragraphs. Conclude the letter with your contact information, including a professional-sounding email address and phone number. Avoid using slang and maintain a formal writing style, as your cover letter is a professional document, not a casual chat. Remember that even if you belong to Generation Y or Z, maintaining a professional demeanor is crucial, especially when addressing individuals of your parent’s generation.
5) Use a Connection in your Swiss Cover Letter
It helps build trust to make a connection in your Swiss cover letter. Ideally, before you apply to any job, check your network and find out if you have a connection who could refer you. This is much more helpful than the best references or certificates. A trusted source inside the company goes a long way. Modern recruiting tools now have an official referral button. See the example here at Workday.
FREE RESOURCES
Here is how you can start working with us today
1) Sign up for your Free Guide
If you are just beginning your search, start here. This guide covers the foundational steps to start your journey toward a successful career in Switzerland. It helps you orient yourself before you start climbing.
2) Learn from the “Graham” Method
I mentioned that relationships are key. On my YouTube channel, we explore job searching through the lens of professional relationships. These videos often feature #Graham, the dachshund, who teaches us a thing or two about persistence and charm.
3) Listen to #REDCOUCHTALKS
Sometimes, you need to hear how others made it. The Red Couch Talks are intimate conversations with leaders, experts, and expats who share their raw, unfiltered stories. It’s not just about success; it’s about the struggle and the breakthroughs.
4) Buy a COACHING VOUCHER (RockMeApp)
If you are ready for personalized support, this is the most direct way to work with us. By purchasing a coaching voucher on the #RockMeApp, you get access to our coaching framework. We start working with you once you have paid for your voucher.
Tip: You can also buy a full-year license as a private client. If you buy a full annual license, the voucher you purchased will count towards your license fee.
📱 Get Your Voucher via RockMe.app
5) Stay Ahead of the Curve (New Publication Alert)
I am currently deep in the writing process for a new Global Mobility textbook with the working title “Global Mobility: The Taxation and Management of Internationally Mobile Employees.” This is for the technical experts and HR professionals among you who want to deepen your industry knowledge.
📖 Sign up for Publication Updates
6) Browse Our Blog
You are reading this on our blog, but have you explored the archives? We have years of content covering everything from the “Trailing Spouse” syndrome to complex tax questions. We call it the “Global People Club Sandwich” of content—layers of life, work, and mobility.
7) Join the Conversation on Social Media
We share daily tips, inspiration, and updates on LinkedIn and Instagram. It’s a great way to stay in the loop and ask quick questions.
8) Collaborate With Us
Are you a fellow coach, an HR expert, or a writer? We are always looking for meaningful collaborations. If you want to partner with us to make the world of work more human, let’s talk.
Put on Your Hiking Boots
The Swiss job market is tough, but it is not impossible. It requires a shift in strategy from “quantity” to “quality,” and from “digital” to “personal.” At Global People Transitions, our mission is to bring the human touch back into this process. We want you to feel empowered, not exhausted. Whether you just download the free guide or commit to a full coaching license on the RockMeApp, we are here to support your climb.
Take a deep breath. Put on your hiking boots. Let’s get to work.
Global Mobility Career Orientation for Expats
Female Founder Angie Weinberger has been running Global People Transitions since 2010.
Photo Credit: Geoff Pegler
About the Author
Angie Weinberger is the founder of Global People Transitions and a recognized expert in Global Mobility and Career Coaching. With a background in International HR and a deep understanding of the expat experience, Angie has guided hundreds of professionals through complex career transitions in Switzerland and beyond. She is the author of The Global Career Workbook, The Global Rockstar Album, and The Global Mobility Workbook, and is currently lecturing and researching for her upcoming textbook on the taxation and management of internationally mobile employees. Known for her resilience methodology and her famous #RedCouchTalks, Angie combines professional rigor with genuine empathy (and a love for döners and dachshunds). She lives in Zurich, where she continues to advocate for a more human-centric approach to global work.
Red Couch Talks related to Recruiting
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